Thank you for taking the time to read this story. This latest chapter has been incredibly difficult to put into words.

Those who know us are aware that our beloved Joel, had a brain tumor removed 2-years ago by surgeon, Charlie Teo. When Joel was given months to live, Dr Teo stepped in and gave him life-saving surgery. Since then Joel has embraced a gentle existence in northern NSW. He got married to his forever person, Brooke, and 7-months ago they welcomed a ray of sunshine in the shape of a baby girl, Peachy.

Life has been good.

Last week we received the gut-wrenching news that Joel's tumor is back. We have been told it is likely an aggressive anaplastic oligodendroglioma growing in the motor strip of Joel’s brain, the part that guides movement to the left side of his body. The prognosis without treatment is bleak.

Joel is a wonderful brother, friend, father, and son. The idea of not having this man, my sweet little bro, with us in the future is too heartbreaking to even consider. The possibility that Peachy won’t have her Dad around is unbearable. She is just obsessed with him. She loves her Dad to bits.

I am very aware of the crazy world we are living in right now. However, we desperately need funds to support immediate brain surgery and associated therapies so that Joel has a fighting chance.

As the tumor is growing rapidly, again, we have limited options but there are a few. Joel will need to have a combination of treatments like radiation and chemotherapy. Charlie Teo has agreed to operate again, to see exactly what tumour is growing and to remove what is there although this will be an absolute last option. Surgery alone is in excess of 70K.

There are also treatment options in the US which we are looking into. We may also consider other options as they arise - we will do anything to keep Joel with us.

I should mention that with our NZ borders currently closed, we have been unable to be with Joel and Brooke in Australia during this time which has been doubly traumatic. Joel's parents (my Mum and Dad) have found this especially difficult as you can only imagine.

Anyone that knows our Joel understands what he brings to the world. He is a good man, the best kind of human, with a huge heart. He is a lover, not a fighter. But again, he must fight for his life.